If you love nature, you’ll absolutely love this place. It’s perfect for a walk with your partner, and the scenery is a huge plus.
Omiya Park, Saitama Prefecture | Review by Kelvin Lee
Other Reviews by Kelvin Lee
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Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store
Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store is the discount shop drawing shoppers from near and wide for its whopping selection and unbeatable prices. Sat at the entrance of Kabukicho, Japan’s largest entertainment district, the store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so you can easily pop in for shopping whether on your way during the day or night.
The inside is such a mess. The shelves don’t feel organized at all, so finding anything takes forever.
Going at night is even worse—tons of tourists plus locals, and it’s super loud. -
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Okazaki Castle
A castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), who founded the Edo shogunate, was born. In 2006, it was selected as one of the “Top 100 Castles in Japan.” With many legends tied to dragons, it is also known as “Tatsugajo (Dragon Castle).” One legend says that when Takechiyo (later Ieyasu) was born, dark clouds swirled above the castle and a golden dragon appeared.
Okazaki Castle looks super grand from the outside, and it photographs really well. If you’re into Tokugawa Ieyasu, this place will feel extra meaningful.
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Okunitama-jinja Shrine
Okunitama Shrine, with a history stretching back about 1900 years, is where Okunitama-no-Okami, the deity protecting the Musashino area, is enshrined. Musashino was a vast area including modern-day Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa. Inside the shrine grounds are several smaller shrines, each one granting its own blessing. Among those, the shrine blessing love and marriage is especially well-known.
This shrine feels really rich with history. It has a solemn vibe, but it doesn’t feel heavy or oppressive.
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